Photo and article from Laieke Abebe

Despite being competitive in all three sets, C.B. Aycock could not get over the hump against Hunt.

The Golden Falcons were swept by the Warriors, 18-25, 16-25, 24-26 in the Quad County 3a Conference conference tournament title match on Wednesday in Wilson.

It’s C.B. Aycock’s third loss of the season to Hunt, a team that’s been unstoppable in conference play this season.

“The effort and heart were there,” Golden Falcons head coach Jordyn McGhee said. “Our players were nervous coming into this match because they didn’t know what to expect. Playing three games in a row, especially when those games are big matchups against good teams, takes a toll.”

C.B. Aycock went up 9-5 early in the opening set with Laci Best setting the tone on serve. However, a lengthy delay after a fire alarm went off on campus seemed to halt the Golden Falcons’ momentum. 

Hunt (21-4) responded with a 10-1 run to force a C.B. Aycock timeout. The Golden Falcons (18-6) would not lead again in the first set falling 25-18 despite some nice plays at the net from Clara Coles. 

The Warriors started the second set on the front foot leading 5-1 before C.B. Aycock cut into the deficit.

Unforced errors caused the Golden Falcons to fall further behind. Although a few kills from Emily Feddersen kept the Golden Falcons within striking distance, Hunt’s early lead was too much to come back from.

Despite being down two sets, the Golden Falcons had control in the third set leading 8-2 in the early going. Feddersen and Coles continued to provide the attack, but Hunt would battle back to tie it at 21 after C.B. Aycock led 20-18. 

Ultimately, the Golden Falcons would fall behind two match points but answered back to tie it at 24. However, the Warriors would score the last two points to seal the set and the match in a competitive battle.

“We have good expectations going into the playoffs,” McGhee added. “We’re looking forward to playing Saturday against another good opponent. It’s exciting that we’re going to be able to play at home in the first round.”

The Golden Falcons now look ahead to the 3A East state playoffs. Their conference semifinal win over South Johnston broke a three-way tie for second place and gave them the second automatic bid to the postseason.

C.B. Aycock received the 13th seed and they’ll take on 20th seed First Flight on Saturday at 3 p.m..